Microcurrent: Finding the Right Frequency

Microcurrent acupuncture involves application of weak electrical currents in specific frequencies to acupuncture points. It is a promising modality targeting long-standing health issues and stubborn cases of chronic pain that respond poorly to other treatments.

 

What’s Microcurrent?

By applying specific frequencies to acupuncture points, we attempt to affect communication among the cells, nerves, and brain. The frequencies are tissue- or condition-specific. For example, the frequency to reduce inflammation does that and only that. The frequency to remove scars dissolves scar tissue but has no effect on inflammation.

 

What Currents Are Used?

Weak currents under 1 milliampere. Same kinds of currents your body uses for intracellular communication. The frequencies are below 1000 Hz, usually in the hundreds.

 

How Do They Work?

As is the case for so many other acupuncture techniques, the precise mechanisms of microcurrent therapy are not well understood. One theory maintains that microcurrents increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production – by as much as 500%. ATP is the major source of energy in the cell. Additional ATP seems to stimulate the healing process.

 

Another view is that certain frequencies affect cell genetic expression thereby changing cell function and even cell structure.

 

Alternatively, it’s possible that low-amplitude DC currents somehow mimic human bio-cellular communications helping to clear energetic blockages in the body's bioelectric field.

 

Finally, microcurrents may  produce a shift in autonomic nervous system. Of course, all these theories remain to be proven by further research.

 

How Is It Different from TENS?

These two modalities are different. TENS uses strong electrical currents. While effective for acute pain, it is not as good for pain of central origin and does not affect the underlying cause of pain. The electrical currents used in microcurrent therapy are extremely mild — one millionth of an ampere. Plus, we apply very specific frequencies based on the desired effect.

 

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Pain is not the only focus of microcurrent therapy. There are frequencies for nearly every type of tissue/problem in the body, including:

 

• Abdominal adhesions

• Achilles tendonitis

• Anxiety and depression

• Asthma

• Back pain

• Bell’s palsy

• Broken bones

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Celiac disease

• Complex regional pain syndrome

• Crohn's disease

• Diabetes

• Emotional Issues

• Endometriosis

• Fibromyalgia

• Fractures

• Gout

• Headaches

• Herpes

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Interstitial cystitis

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Low back pain

• Lupus

• Lyme disease

• Lymphedema

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neck pain

• Nerve pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Peripheral neuropathy

• PMS

• Post-herpetic neuralgia

• Post-surgical pain

• Post-stroke thalamic pain syndrome

• Psoriasis

• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Scar tissue

• Sciatica

• Shingles

• Shoulder pain

• Sinusitis

• Sprains and strains

• Tendon & ligament injury

• Tennis elbow

• TMJ pain

• Whiplash

• Wound healing

 

Does It Hurt?

No. Naturally, you can’t feel a thing! Some patients may report a feeling of warmth and softening of the affected tissues.

 

Can I Use Microcurrent if I Have an Artificial Joint?

Patients with implanted metal pins or plates, pumps, artificial joints, and stents have been treated with no problems reported.

 

Where Can I Try This Microcurrent?

Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine. Downtown St. Pete. 727-252-6060.